Housing Department May Join
Latest Assault on Gun Makers

Local Authorities Could Bolster
Efforts by Cities, File Lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is considering joining the legal assault against the gun industry, said people familiar with the situation.

Such a move would sharply escalate the antigun court fight already being waged by 23 cities and counties around the country. A HUD spokesman said only that the agency is monitoring the litigation and has "no plans" to file a suit.